Wednesday, May 27, 2009

SIDDHA MEDICINES

SIDDHA MEDICINES

The Siddha System of medicine is the oldest in the world. There are two ancient system of medicine in India. The Siddha which flourished in South India and Ayurvedha prevalent in North India.The word Siddha comes from the word Siddhi which means heavenly bliss.Siddha generally refers to Athma Siddha that is the 8th supernatural power. Those who attained or achieved the above said powers are known as Siddhars.

There were 18 important siddhars in olden days and they developed this system of medicine. Hence, it is called Siddha Medicine.

Siddha System of Medicine along with Ayurveda constitutes what is known as Indian Medicine. Siddha System is a Dravidian version of Indian Medicine developed by ancient Tamil sages known as Siddhars. Fundamental principles and treatment modalities of Siddha are more or less similar to Ayurveda. The system is prevalent in South India.

The Siddha medicines meant for the human body are prepared, based on the theory of Panchabuthas (metals of gold, lead, copper, iron and zinc). Gold and lead are used for the maintenance of the body. Iron, the only metal attracted by the electric power of the magnet, and zinc, used for generating electricity, are employed in the medicines which are administered for the extension of life. And copper is used for the preservation of heat in the body. The learned modern scientists of today have yet to know the rejuvenation theories followed by Siddhars of Tamil Nadu in ancient times.

Siddha system of medicine is based on Saiva Siddhantha. Siddha is a Tamil word that is derived from its root 'chit' which means perfection in life or "heavenly bliss".

Siddhars, spiritual scientists of Tamil Nadu explored and explained the reality of Nature and its relationship to man by their yogic awareness and experimental findings. They postulated the concept of spiritualism for self improvement and the practices propounded by them came to be known as the "SIDDHA SYSTEM".The eight mighty SIDDHIC PROCESS or OCTOMIRACLE ("ATTA-MA-SIDDHI") which could keep the body strong and perfect for EXTERNAL LIFE, where THERE IS NO DEATH OR REBIRTH.

Hindu temples sprang up over their samathis and are centres of devout worship even today. They form the most important temples in South India. The plot of underground where the Siddhas remained in Samathi, forms the sanctum of each temple. The Siddha named Sundarananthar and others are said to remain in samathi in the temple of Madurai. Agasthiar is embalmed in Kumbakonam, Karuvurar in kalasthi, Korakkar in Tirukalukuntram, kaduvali Siddar in Kancheepuram, Machamuni in Tiruparankuntram, Bohar in Palni, Thirumular in Chidambaram, Aluganni siddhar in Nagapatanam, Sattamuni in Shyali etc.Sidda systum

ANIMA-The faculty of reducing gross body to the size of an atom and to enable him to fly in space.

MAHIMA-Power of expanding oneself without limit.

KARIMA-The power of reducing the primordial elements within himself to a point desired.

LAHIMA-The power of becoming as light as feather.PRAPTHI-Faculty of knowing everything; Past, Present and Future and to secure everything as desired.

PRAHAMIYAM-The power of penetration like rays by which one can attain immortality.

ESATHWAM-Supreme power over animates and inanimate in the universe.VASITHAMThe power of securing any object.

In Siddha medicines are based mostly on Herbs , Herbalism and metallurgy. Metals are converted by them into medicinal compounds in powder form or solid components of high potency. Some Siddhas make use of a saltish substance ('muppu' or universal salt), to prepare medicines. This universal salt is capable of rejuvenating the entire human system. Siddhas dealt with metals, salts, minerals and animal products.Fractures of the bone are set right by traditional bone -setters, who have learnt the art orally from generation to generation. It is a separate science prescribed by the Siddhars. It is known as 'Varma Treatment' by them. It deals with the various kinds of fractures and their cure.There are about 64 types of medicines in Siddha. The common preparations are Bhasma (calcined metals and minerals), Churna (powders), Kashaya (decoctions), Lehya (confections), Ghrita (ghee) and Taila (oil).Oil is used for external application by Siddhas. Bathing regularly after being anointed in the oil (in which the essence of the herb 'Karisilanganni' is added) is an antidote to skindiseases. For body pain, Marma Thailam, an oily preparation from herbs is applied to the body before going to bed. After a hot bath in the following morning, symptoms of relief are said to be marked.Herbs are used to treat Asthma. According to mythology, some of the herbs are stated to have the power to transform old men into youth.Powdered gold, silver and other metals extracts from pearls and corals, and juices of herbs are made use of by the manufactures of Siddha medicines. Even today, people are said to consume 'Thanga Bhasmam' or powdered gold to get over the handicaps of old age.Cooked raw flour mixed with turmeric powder is boiled and used as bandage material to cure abscess formed in any part of the body.Piles and eczema are cured by the Siddhas.The Siddha system included not only medicine and alchemy but also yoga and philosophy. Siddha science acknowledges 64 kinds of yoga. Source of Information Bookshttp://www.tkdl.res.in/tkdl/langdefault/common/SourceInfo.asp?GL=Enghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurvedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ayurvedahttp://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/t_es/t_es_tiwar_siddha.htmhttp://www.timherbals.com/main/traditionaltamilmedicine.htmlhttp://www.siddhamedicine.com/uniqueness.html